Non-slip self-supporting orthopedic device

Abstract

A non-slip self-supporting orthopedic device includes: an upper disk slidably engaged with the rod and externally provided with a hinge; a lower disk, connected with the orthopedic device allowing the elastomeric foot to project downward, and externally provided with a hinge; and arms with upper element, lower element and spring adapted to hold the arm in folded configuration. The movable mechanism can take an enlarged configuration, in which the upper disk contacts the lower disk and the arms are folded. In an elongated configuration, the arms are in axial configuration following the pressing of a button connected to a kinematic mechanism causing the arms to take the axial configuration. The reversible connection system allows the reversible disconnection of the lower elements of the arms preselected by the hinge, determining the lifting of the entire arm in a vertical position by rotation around the hinge.

Description

FIELD OF THE ART[0001]The present invention operates in the field of orthopedic devices; in particular, this is a particular type of crutch for traumatized users or users with motor difficulties. From a wider perspective, the present invention can also be applied to umbrellas or any other type of device provided with a central rod in order to make it self-supporting.PRIOR ART[0002]Orthopedics is the medical discipline that studies the locomotor apparatus and its pathologies. The first orthopedic devices appeared in the 4th century BC by merit of Hippocrates, who designed a wood table that was to reduce luxations and fractures, according to the principle of immobilization of the bone or of the articulation.[0003]Among the various instruments used today for assisting with the rehabilitation of a patient following a trauma, crutches are well known. A crutch is a mobility aid used for overcoming a motor difficulty that limits the capacity to walk.[0004]In the case of elderly patients, w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]According to the present invention, a non-slip and self-supporting orthopedic device is made that effectively resolves the aforesaid problems.

[0018]Advantageously, said movable mechanism, when said arms are in folded configuration, is in an enlarged configuration which increases the stability of the orthopedic device, making it self-supporting. Preferably, the external surface of each lower element of each arm is advantageously coated with any one elastomeric material in order to increase the friction with the floor.

[0020]Advantageously, the lower end of each arm can be reversibly disconnected from the second hinge. In this manner, by rotating the entire arm upward, the user can decide which arms to use and which to leave in vertical position.

[0023]In one embodiment of the present invention, advantageously, said button which causes the activation of the kinematic mechanism is provided with a blocking mechanism that can be conveniently actuated by the user in order to cause the pressing down of the key—and the movable mechanism consequently taking the elongated configuration or enlarged configuration—even when the user has not gripped the handle.

[0027]Finally, in a version of the orthopedic device that is even safer and with more accessories, such device that is the object of the present invention is provided with a common LED light, placed in proximity to said lower end of said rod. This light serves to illuminate the road on which the user walks and in particular has proven to be useful at night, in dangerous areas and areas with poor visibility. Said LED light, advantageously, is reversibly activatable by means of a common button preferably placed at said handle.

Problems solved by technology

Neither crutches nor walking sticks, however, are capable of self-standing in vertical position, i.e. they are not self-supporting.

The projection of the feet at the base of the stick or crutch could in some cases however be a risk for the patient himself / herself.

By moving the stick or crutch forward with each step, in fact, the leg of the patient could impact against the feet, further aggravating the walking difficulties.

Even if the invention described in the abovementioned patent effectively resolves the above-discussed problems, the production of a similar crutch or stick is very complicated as well as costly.

The activation of the motor member that causes the exit of the support legs also requires a certain mobility of the hand, which is not always possible, especially in the case of elderly patients.

Images